Borrow
the mic.

How to get the most from the gear swap board

How it works

Got a spare SM58 gathering dust? Need an amp for one gig? List it as lend, borrow, swap or give away. When someone's keen, we email you their address and step out. You decide whether to reply. No selling on this board and no money goes through us. We don't hold deposits, insure gear or settle disputes, so agree the details yourselves, ideally in writing.

Before you hand anything over

1. Take clear photos of the gear from every side, including any scratches.
2. Write down the make, model and serial number.
3. Agree in writing (a text is fine): what's being lent, for how long, return date, condition, and what happens if it breaks.
4. Meet somewhere public and daytime if you don't know the person.
5. Test it together on the spot. Plug it in, play through it, check every knob and jack.
6. On return, test it again together before you both walk away.

Testing gear: a quick checklist

• Leads and plugs: no exposed wire, cracked plugs or tape repairs.
• Power: does it hum, crackle or smell hot? Stop using it.
• Pots and switches: scratchy is common and fixable. Dead is not.
• Speakers: play quietly first, then louder. Listen for buzzing or rattles.
• Mics: check the grille isn't dented and the cable carries signal both ways.
• Batteries: take them out before lending so they don't leak.

Electrical gear and test-and-tag

Amps, powered speakers and pedal power supplies are electrical equipment, so be careful. In Queensland, people selling second-hand household electrical equipment, including individuals on online marketplaces, don't have to get it tested, but if it isn't tested they must tell the buyer, and give safe-use information such as the manufacturer's instructions ^[1]. That rule is about selling. The page doesn't say whether giving things away is covered ^[1], so treat a giveaway the same way: say whether it's been tested and pass on the manual.

Test and tag is a separate thing. WorkSafe Queensland requires certain equipment to be tested at set intervals in some types of work, including amusement work, and the tag must show the test date and next test date ^[2]. Only a person appointed as competent can test and tag, and repairs need a licensed electrical worker ^[2]. Some venues may ask for tagged gear. Check with the venue before you bring borrowed gear to a gig.

Spot a scam

No money should change hands on a lend or swap. If it does, Scamwatch's tips apply: be wary of anyone who wants expensive gear without seeing it, overpays and asks for change back, or wants payment by gift card, crypto or several different accounts ^[3]. Check the payee name matches before paying anything, and inspect big items in person ^[3]. If you think you've been scammed, call your bank first, then report it to Scamwatch ^[3].